Indian Tourist Pleads for Rescue from Violent Nepal Protests as Unrest Claims Lives

An Indian woman named Upasana Gill, who traveled to Nepal for a volleyball league, has issued an urgent appeal for help after getting stranded in Pokhara amid violent protests that have claimed at least 19 lives. The protests, which began against the government's social media ban, have escalated into widespread demonstrations against corruption and nepotism, leading to the resignation of Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.Gill described a harrowing escape from protesters who targeted her hotel, forcing her to flee for her life while leaving behind all her belongings."My name is Upasana Gill, and I am sending this video to Praful Garg. I request the Indian embassy to please help us. All those who can help us, please help. I am stranded here in Pokhara, Nepal," she said in her video appeal.WATCH: Indian woman appeals for help amid violence in NepalShe detailed the frightening incident at her hotel: "I had come here to host a volleyball league, and currently, the hotel where I was staying has been burned down. All my luggage, all my belongings, were in my room, and the entire hotel was set on fire. I was in the spa, and people were running behind me with very large sticks, and I barely managed to save my life."The situation in Nepal has deteriorated significantly, with protesters targeting both locals and tourists indiscriminately."The situation here is very bad. Fires are being set on roads everywhere. They are not sparing tourists here. They don't care if someone is a tourist or if someone has come here for work. They are setting fires everywhere without any thought," Gill reported.She made an emotional plea for assistance: "We don't know how long we will stay in another hotel. But I just request the Indian embassy to help us... There are many people with me here ... Everyone who can help, pls circulate this video ... This message, should be delivered to the embassy. With folded hands, I request all of you, please help us. We are all stranded here."The protests have led to significant political changes in Nepal, with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli submitting his resignation after protesters entered his office.In his resignation letter to President Ram Chandra Paudel, Oli stated: "In view of the adverse situation in the country, I have resigned effective today to facilitate the solution to the problem and to help resolve it politically in accordance with the constitution."The Nepal Army has implemented strict measures to maintain order, including nationwide restrictive orders from morning until 5 pm, followed by a nightly curfew until 6 am the next day.The army has warned that any demonstrations, vandalism, arson, or attacks on individuals and property during the restricted period will be treated as criminal activities.The protests, which initially started as student demonstrations against social media restrictions, have evolved into a broader movement against government corruption and nepotism, resulting in widespread unrest across the country.